Nottingham pub decision made after arson attack tore through 'extremely dangerous' building

The Bakersfield on Oakdale Road, fire damaged and missing its roof
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)


A decision has been made on whether a Nottingham pub can be demolished after the "extremely dangerous" building was severely damaged by an arson attack. The Bakersfield on Oakdale Road went up in flames on Wednesday, September 11 in what police suspect was a deliberate fire.

A planning application had already been submitted to replace it with 13 family homes and a block of supported living flats. Nottingham City Council approved the proposal today (Wednesday, September 18) at a planning meeting.

The derelict pub will now be knocked down as soon as possible in the interests of safety, according to developer Hockley Developments Ltd. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue believe the fire was probably started deliberately on the first floor and spread to the roof, which has mostly been destroyed.

The fire has left The Bakersfield structurally unsound, with its exposed gables meaning it could fall down in bad weather. It is now boarded up and secured to prevent any further vandalism.

The pub has been closed since 2021, and was said to be in a poor state even before the fire. The new development will provide detached and semi-detached family homes, and eight one-bed apartments.

CGI of new development
The new development will provide detached and semi-detached family homes, and eight one-bed apartments -Credit:Copyright Unknown

Members of the planning committee unanimously supported the application. Councillor Kirsty L Jones (Lab) said: “The homes aren’t classed as affordable, but any housing is good, and supported living accommodation is very needed in this city.

“It’s a big improvement to what it was beforehand.” Councillor Kevin Clarke (Ind) said: “There have been some concerns from neighbours about anti-social behaviour on the playing field to the north.

“We need a good boundary between them – if left as is, you will get people straying off park into estate and causing problems in the future. But I’m quite impressed with it overall.”

Detective Sergeant Chris Mavers of Nottinghamshire Police said after the fire: “Our investigations are at an early stage but initial indications suggest this fire was started deliberately.

“Arson is an extremely serious offence that can lead to tragic consequences, so we will be working hard to find out who is responsible. Derelict sites such as the building targeted in this incident can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important that people stay away.

“We’d urge anyone with any information, or relevant footage of the incident, to get in touch with officers.” Police have asked anyone with information on the fire to call police on 101, quoting incident 633 of September 11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The pub had been run by Admiral Taverns Ltd, who had originally hoped to find a new landlord. However, the planning documents say: “After reviewing the losses this particular pub was making and the very weak turnover, they realised there was no hope of getting anyone to take on a new lease here without huge investment in the pub, which would not give a suitable return on investment.”